I got my Racetech springs and emulators but have read too many opinions on how these should be setup (at svriders.com). I was wondering if 2 or more people on this site could agree on what should be done. I've read drill this, braze that, say this chant while using that fork oil mixed with pigs blood (no, just kidding). all else failing I guess I'll "just" follow the directions (RTFM)... I appreciate any input or experience you can share. The only track I ride is Summit Point which is pretty smooth but has some elevation, I weigh about 170 with gear if any of this makes a difference...
Traxxion dynamics is selling modified damper rods ($99). I had Brian Baker at BRG do my forks, I have not ridden my SV yet, nor have I taken them apart. I do know that some of the rebound holes are closed and that the compression holes are drilled larger (for the emulators to work). The Traxxion rods come with all this already done.
Mine have 20 wt fork oil, but I have not done any testing yet.
I guess the 10 years I spent racing motocross with damper rod forks will finally come in handy.
I have the damper rods that Traxxion sells. They look pretty nice upon opening the box up, but I just got the new SV, so I haven't installed them yet. :) I was planning on posting a little review on them in the next week or so after they are installed.
QuoteI have the damper rods that Traxxion sells. They look pretty nice upon opening the box up, but I just got the new SV, so I haven't installed them yet. :) I was planning on posting a little review on them in the next week or so after they are installed.
::) :P
Great! Now you're following me here too! ;D
I've got the Cartridge Emulators but they're not installed yet and fork springs are on the way (backordered of course). Looks like I'll have to tackle Topeka with a stock front end. :-/ :o
QuoteGreat! Now you're following me here too! ;D
I have to pad my posts, can't have that newbie thing haning over my head :o
Don, give Speedwerks Racing a call at 1-302-672-RACE. Trotter and Steve are great and they did my forks on my 03 SV. The bike felt fandamtastic as I rode to a 3rd at VIR this past weekend. I have Race Tech Emulators and Race Tech Springs with a 30/20 weight mix.
Tigerblade...we will be at topeka with our full suspension workshop in tow. Bring your parts and we'll bring springs. That way we can get you set up for the weekend if you are still interested. And at Topeka...I would definitely suggest it. We, like Brian Baker use Traxxion components and are Traxxion trained. If you are closer to him, drop in on him and see what he can do for you. If not, stop by and see us at Topeka, we should be able to answer any questions you may have.
QuoteTigerblade...we will be at topeka with our full suspension workshop in tow. Bring your parts and we'll bring springs. That way we can get you set up for the weekend if you are still interested. And at Topeka...I would definitely suggest it. We, like Brian Baker use Traxxion components and are Traxxion trained. If you are closer to him, drop in on him and see what he can do for you. If not, stop by and see us at Topeka, we should be able to answer any questions you may have.
Rob, I'll get in touch with you early this week. ;)
Don
Callthe number below The owner and three guys in the shop are exs that all have 03 svs. 301-977-7188 Ask for Ryan
Smoke, is that CAD Cycles? Dave can definately work magic on SV forks.
Why yes .. it is CAD. Dave and Chris did my forks for me about two months ago. I am happy. The best part is they go do the forks in aa day and a half or less. I think mine took 2 or 3 hours.
Well, I can tell you how I set up my forks with the emulators. This is my first post, how are you guys?
I'm CCS Am # 444, my name is Nick
I drilled the 2 extra holes in the damper rod like race tech tells you to for more oil flow. I also have the race tech springs. I'm not sure what spring # they are, I think .75 if that sounds rite.
I went and bought some PVC pipe and cut a spacer that is the height of the stock spacer minus the space the emulator takes up in the fork. That way I stick with the stock rebound for now until I can test it at the track. It's easy to put a longer or shorter spacer in at the track with the forks still on the bike. I weigh about 160 pounds with all my gear on. Race Tech says go 2 turns in for street use on the emulator or 4 turns in for the track. I went 3 turns in.
I put 20 weight oil in and it feels good. I have about 25mm of sag in the front which is on the stiff side but the only way to get it rite is to play with it at the track.
Good luck, Oh yea dont do what I did at first. I had an extra washer left over the first time around. The only place washers are supposed to be is on top of the spacer and below the spacer. I put a washer in between the emulator and the spring. Thats a no no. I had to take the forks back apart to get that out.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm not an expert at this, and I never claimed to be a pro mechanic. I just a normal guy tinkering in my garage having fun with this cool sport.
Do not follow the Racetech instructions! They are generic, and are not right for the SV damper rods, pre- '03 anyway.
The upper two new holes the Racetech instructions say to drill are too high, and there will be no rebound damping on the bottom inch of fork travel. That is not good.
If you use the stock damper rods, enlarge the existing 4 compression holes to 10 mm (3/8"), and braze the small rebound hole closed.
At 170 lbs., you will likely need 20+ weight fork oil. Fork oil viscosity for a labelled weight are not consistent across brands. I use either Traxxion or Belray, with a mix of 50/50 20 and 30 W. I have the emulators at 3 turns, although I used the 41 mm emulators instead of the 38's that Racetech list for the SV. I'm 176 lbs.
QuoteDo not follow the Racetech instructions! They are generic, and are not right for the SV damper rods, pre- '03 anyway.
The upper two new holes the Racetech instructions say to drill are too high, and there will be no rebound damping on the bottom inch of fork travel. That is not good.
If you use the stock damper rods, enlarge the existing 4 compression holes to 10 mm (3/8"), and braze the small rebound hole closed.
At 170 lbs., you will likely need 20+ weight fork oil. Fork oil viscosity for a labelled weight are not consistent across brands. I use either Traxxion or Belray, with a mix of 50/50 20 and 30 W. I have the emulators at 3 turns, although I used the 41 mm emulators instead of the 38's that Racetech list for the SV. I'm 176 lbs.
Those bigger holes are for compression not rebound, if you close up the little rebound hole the rebound will be too slow. Why would racetech give you the wrong instructions? I have called racetech about this and they stand behind what they say in the instructions for a race set up. Whatever ??? mine work great the way racetech recomends.
QuoteDo not follow the Racetech instructions! They are generic, and are not right for the SV damper rods, pre- '03 anyway.
The upper two new holes the Racetech instructions say to drill are too high, and there will be no rebound damping on the bottom inch of fork travel. That is not good.
If you use the stock damper rods, enlarge the existing 4 compression holes to 10 mm (3/8"), and braze the small rebound hole closed.
At 170 lbs., you will likely need 20+ weight fork oil. Fork oil viscosity for a labelled weight are not consistent across brands. I use either Traxxion or Belray, with a mix of 50/50 20 and 30 W. I have the emulators at 3 turns, although I used the 41 mm emulators instead of the 38's that Racetech list for the SV. I'm 176 lbs.
^Read above if you want to get completely confussed ???